The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on mid and upper-elevation aspects facing northwest, north, and east where a dangerous persistent weak layer exists. Human-triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. Avalanches may be 2-4 feet deep and hundreds of feet wide. Other than low-elevation southerly-facing slopes that have little or no snow, all other slopes have a MODERATE avalanche danger where human-triggered avalanches are possible.
Small, wet-loose avalanches are possible on low and mid-elevation northerly-facing slopes with today's warm temperatures.
Today's south/southwest winds will drift snow onto the aspects where the PWL exists: mid and upper-elevation slopes facing northwest, north, and east where human-triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches possible, Any avalanche failing on the PWL will be 2-4 feet deep and up to hundreds of feet wide, similar to Tuesday's avalanche in the Ant Knolls in the photo below.
Soft slabs of dense storm snow and wind-drifted snow 8-12 inches thick can be found on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations. These soft slabs may fail on different layers, including crusts on southerly aspects. On aspects facing northwest, north, and east, any avalanche may break down to the deeply-buried PWL. The graphic below demonstrates the aspects where you can find wind-drifted snow based on the direction the wind is blowing from.
We are deeply saddened to confirm two avalanche fatalities. The first involved a 38 year old man in Main Porter Fork of Mill Creek Canyon who went missing on Saturday. The second avalanche fatality occurred Tuesday that involved a 54 year old man off Davenport Hill into Silver Fork of BCC. Both individuals were traveling alone in the backcountry. Our condolences go out to to the family and friends of the victims.
Many thanks to those who responded to these accidents: search and rescue teams from AirMed, LifeFlight, Utah Dept Public Safety, Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta Ski Area, and members of the Utah Avalanche Center.
Main Porter Preliminary Accident Report (1st photo - SL County SAR) Original avalanche obscured by recent snow/wind. Avalanches in photo are from explosives to protect rescuers.
Davenport Hill Preliminary Accident Report (2nd photo - Wasatch Backcountry Rescue) The victim was buried 20 feet deep.
The last reported avalanche activity was Tuesday on the Ant Knolls. This was on a northeast slope at 9,500' failing on facets 3.5 feet deep and 200 feet wide.
For detailed observations and reports, check out all avalanche observations HERE.
6 am: Temperatures have been on the rise overnight and are in the upper 30's F. Winds are from the south/southwest and have also increased overnight, averaging in the teens with gusts in the mid 20's mph along exposed ridgelines above 9,500' with 11,000' wind speeds averaging in the 30's with gusts in the 50's mph.
24-hour snowfall totals are 3-4 inches of dense snow containing 0.4" water.
Today: Mostly sunny this morning, with clouds filling in during the afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the low 40's F. Winds will be from the southwest and will average in the teens with gusts in the 20's mph up to 10,500' with 11,000' winds averaging in the upper 20's mph with gusts around 50 mph.
This Weekend: Increasing winds this evening with snowfall beginning overnight. A cold front arrives around dawn on Saturday, with 4-8" of snow likely by Sunday.
Researchers Ian McCammon and Kelly McNeil looked into safety habits that markedly increase our margins of safety. Please take a moment to look over these and recalibrate your safety habits: Six Tips That Could Save Your Life (Recent updates to Safety Messaging)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
